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Mesalamine Delivery

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/18/2010 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi folks.

I just had a question for those of you out there in the know with regard to delivering this drug into the large intestine.

Under different brand names (I am particularly interested in the Salofalk EN coasted tabs 500mg), I understand the main targeted area of this preparation is the mid-small intestine and it is at maximal release at the terminal illeum.

I have procto-sigmoiditis (well I did on initial diagnosis 10 years ago), and was wondering that if this is actually the case, why am I bothering to take it at all? (I am seeing a new GI next month after losing complete faith on the old one).

In the past I took Sulfasalazine/proctofoam which totally cleared me up (for 9 years or so). In my current flare, I have responded well to the mesal enemas (lucky for me), and all the while I havent felt the pills did anything!

Can anyone please give us some insight if anyone has any answers?
Posted 4/18/2010 8:14 AM (GMT 0)
You need both oral and rectal 5ASA meds...they work together to cover the entire colon including the cecum.

I'd never go off the oral meds because there are still benefits to keeping the clear colon clear..even believed to protect it from cancer, but I'm not on a high dosage. I can increase if the need occurs.

Are the salofalk pills 250mg or 400mg? Why do you want to switch?

Most 5ASA meds disperse in the terminal ileum....Pentasa is one that disperses a bit higher I believe..

q
Posted 4/18/2010 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Quincy.

Have you ever heard of exact instructions for taking mesalamine (I'm on 3 x 500mg twice a day) around food? I.e. Take 2hr before food or with food etc.?
Posted 4/18/2010 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
No specifics I wouldn't think considering it doesn't dissolve in the stomach, it starts to be released in the terminal ileum and throughout the colon.

I take it after breakfast with the rect of my meds/supplements and at night I take it somewhere around midnight give or take an hour or two.

q
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